Visual Marker for Hunters and Outdoorsmen

Abstract

A lighted visual marker or beacon for use primarily by outdoorsmen is disclosed. The device utilizes LED bulbs that emit a green light that is inoffensive to nocturnal wildlife so as not to alarm them. The device may be mounted to or suspended from a tree or mounted in the ground to provide guidance to paths, campsites, tree-stands and the like. The device is battery powered and capable of being controlled from a control panel beneath a weatherproof cover or can be remotely controlled. The device may be controlled in a simple on/off mode of operation or can be controlled by a timer.

1 . A visual marker comprising:
 (a) a housing;   (b) an illumination means highly visible to humans but inconspicuous to dichromatic animals, said means comprising at least one LED bulb protruding from said housing and emitting wavelengths of light at or about 480 nm; and   (c) a power source.   
   
   
       2 . The visual marker of  claim 1 , further comprising means to control said LED bulb. 
   
   
       3 . The visual marker of  claim 3 , further comprising a means for timed operation of said LED bulb. 
   
   
       4 . The visual marker of  claim 3 , further comprising a means to display the settings of said means to control said LED bulb. 
   
   
       5 . The visual marker of  claim 4 , further comprising means to control additional visual markers from one said means to control said LED bulb. 
   
   
       6 . The visual marker of  claim 1 , wherein said housing is sealed so as to make it waterproof. 
   
   
       7 . The visual marker of  claim 7 , where said housing is constructed of materials from the group consisting of metals, metal alloys, fiberglass, plastics, or ceramics. 
   
   
       8 . The visual marker of  claim 8 , wherein said housing possesses a means to suspend said housing. 
   
   
       9 . The visual marker of  claim 8 , wherein said housing possesses means to mount said visual marker into the ground. 
   
   
       10 . The visual marker of  claim 1 , wherein said at least one LED bulb is sited on said housing so that it may be seen posteriorally or anteriorally to the device. 
   
   
       11 . The visual marker of  claim 1 , wherein said device possesses a means for remote operation. 
   
   
       12 . A visual marker comprising:
 (a) a housing;   (b) at least one LED bulb protruding from said housing and emitting wavelengths of light at or about 480 nm;   (c) a portable power source;   (d) means to mount said housing;   (e) means to control said LED bulb; and   (f) means to waterproof said housing.   
   
   
       13 . The visual marker of  claim 13 , wherein said housing is comprised of material selected from the group consisting of fiberglass, metals, metal alloys, plastics, ceramics and similar materials. 
   
   
       14 . The visual marker of  claim 14 , wherein said means to control said LED bulb possesses means for timed operation and remote operation. 
   
   
       15 . The method of using LED bulbs that emit light at wavelengths at or about the visual neutral-point of dichromatic animals as visual beacons that will be inconspicuous to said dichromatic animals.